Let’s face it — everything droops as we age. While gravity has its benefits (we don’t fly off into space!), its constant downward pull on our tissues is a bummer. The skin and supporting tissues around the eyes aren’t immune. They sag and droop, even to the point of impeding vision at times. Plus, saggy eyelids can make a person look far older than they are!
Gravity is a problem, but so is exposure, particularly with our sunny, breezy Naples days. Our eyes are exposed to the sun and the elements pretty much all the time. Over the years, that exposure, along with the general slackening that occurs with all of our tissues, can make your eyes droop, sag, and make the world think you’re worn out.
Eyelid surgery with Dr. Turk can take that tired, saggy look away, taking a decade off your appearance with it. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat and tightens the underlying muscles as needed to make your eyes look much younger.
The eyes have it
Every year when the statistics for cosmetic plastic surgery procedures come out, eyelid surgery, clinically known as blepharoplasty, is one of the most popular surgeries worldwide. This isn’t a surprise for a couple of reasons. First, the eyes are so visible when compared to areas such as the abdomen that is usually covered by clothes. Second, eyelid surgery provides very dramatic results, but they are subtle at the same time. Most people think that blepharoplasty takes a decade or more off the age of the patient’s face. Friends who don’t know you’ve had the procedure usually can’t tell it was done; they only know that you look younger.
It’s for everyone
There’s another thing about eyelid surgery with Dr. Turk — it’s popular with both women and men. That can’t be said about procedures such as tummy tucks. But when it comes to drooping eyelids, wrinkles, and puffy bags under your eyes, neither sex gets away unscathed. Studies show that more and more men are opting to have eyelid surgery to appear younger in the workplace.
The surgery
Eyelid surgery can be performed in as little as 45 minutes, or as much at two hours. This is because some people opt to have both eyelids addressed while others only have either the upper or lower lid operated on. For the upper eyelid, Dr. Turk makes a small incision in the natural crease of the eyelid to conceal any scarring. He then tightens the muscles as needed, repositions fat, and removes any excess skin.
In the lower eyelid, he usually makes the incision just below the lower eyelash. An alternate location is inside the lower lid, where there won’t be any visible scarring. Excess skin is removed to lessen wrinkles, bags, and general puffiness that is so prevalent in many aging lower eyelids.
One note about removing fat — Dr. Turk is more likely to reposition fat rather than remove it. This is because removing too much fat can leave the patient with a hollow look.
Eyelid surgery is not a difficult recovery
When compared to involved recoveries from procedures such as tummy tucks, recovering from eyelid surgery is not hard at all. When you get home after your surgery, your eyes will be covered with light gauze. We’ll provide you with an eye lubricant and a cold compress. If you are attentive with your compress, your swelling can be very minor. Bruising usually isn’t bad, either. After one week, your stitches will come out, and you’ll look pretty good. Most patients can return to work in just a couple of days, but you’ll have to avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of weeks. There can be some residual swelling, but it’s not serious. Your new, younger eyelids will be ready for the public very quickly.
Want to lose the sag in your eyes? Call Dr. Turk at 239-348-4357
